It can't be happening....

I've not lost any weight now in 5 weeks. This is my second stall since surgery. The first one only lasted 2 weeks. I've tried so many different things: increasing my calories, protein, water and exercise. I've even added in more complex carbs because I was typically eating under 40 a day. Per my dietician I've increased my vegetables and fruit, I've changed what I was eating trying to trick my body. I've eaten as much as 102 grams of protein a day and when I do get that much in I feel like crap because I've eaten all day, at least it feels like it. I am limited on what and how much exercise I do because of chronic pain and as the pain lessens, I have upped my exercise as much as I can. I am losing inches, however, now it's really slowing down...maybe that's a sign that the scale will start moving? I'm so down about this but I am thankful for the amount of weight I've lost since surgery, but now I just feel like I'm consumed by this surgery. I have to think about it all the time and I just can't escape the feelings. I know the scale will start moving (at least I hope so)...but when??? If I'm having this much trouble in the beginning, what's it going to be like after 6 months when the weight loss is suppose to slow down. I'm really trying hard to keep my chin up but as each day passes and nothing happens...well it's just hard to stay positive. It's as if I feel like I've failed at something where everyone else hasn't. It's hard not to compare yourself to others even though I try really hard not to. Right now, feeling like this and then seeing someone else posting their successes it just gets to you after awhile. I just want to be happy for others and not feel like, "why can't I be successful like them?" Is anyone else going through this too? I sure what love to hear that others are experiencing this so I won't feel so alone. I'm to the point of feeling scared. Thanks for letting me ramble on. I've been keeping all of these feelings in for the most part and this morning when I got on the scale and saw that it still hasn't moved...well I just cried and decided it's best to get some support. Thanks again for listening!! "Desperate" Deanna

Ramble on girl, ramble on... it sounds like you just need to verbally dump right now so we are here for you! I am so sorry that you are having such big frusterations with the scale. Could it possibly be the scale? My old one was playing tricks on me but once I replaced it, my weight loss has been fairly constant. To me it sounds like you are taking the right attitude with all of this even though it is really hard to. I can understand that for sure. A year before my surgery I entered a physican controlled program and I was the ONLY ONE out of 35 who gained 15 lbs. IT WAS SO DEPRESSING! Has your surgeon done any testing to see if you pouch is not small enough, or if your connection is too big, or how much did they bypass? I am really curious to find out why your plataeu has been so long. Please let us know how you progress Hun! Sad for you~ Jamie

HUGS!! Thanks Jamie for reading and listening and most importantly for offering your support!! I wish the problem was my scale, but I recently weighed myself at my pcp's office and it said pretty much what my home scale says. I will be seeing my surgeon at the end of the month, but actually have been contemplating about seeing or talking to him sooner. I'm sure all is well, especially since he said my surgery was "Text Book", it's just my body fighting this drastic change...but sheesh, I didn't realize it was so stubborn Thanks again for your kind words Jamie, it really means a lot to me!! Have a nice weekend! Deanna

I feel for you Deanna. There are medical reasons that could be causing it. Have you had your thyroid checked or are you insulin resistant. I hear those make it harder. You didn't mention how much you have lost. You may want to check out Dame Tooter's site on the main board. She started out slow & went on to lose an incredible amount. It may lift your spirits and she may even have suggestions. I will keep you in my thoughts. Christie

Hi Christie I recently talked to my pcp about this and she just said that my body is still dealing with the surgery and is playing catch up. Plus, before surgery, I was required to lose 17 pounds so I was doing some major dieting to get that weight off so once I had the surgery, my body was already in a restricted mode so the surgery wasn't a huge shock like it is for others who didn't have to lose weight or had a lot less than that to lose. Not sure if that is really the case, but I guess I want to believe what my Dr is telling me. I'll have to look up Dame Tooter's site and see what that is about Thanks for responding and for keeping me in your thoughts! Hugs, Deanna

Deanna, Feel free to ramble anytime. We are here for you. I don't really have any suggestions for you as it seems like you have tried everything I have heard to do. You may want to check with your surgeon. I am wishing for the scale to move for you. Kim

Thanks Kimmie! Me too..I would just like to throw the scale out the window. I may go ahead and see about talking to my surgeon before my upcoming appt. and see what he says. Thanks for your well wishes and support!! Deanna

Oh, Deanna -- (((((hugs))))) -- I've actually been thinking about going to my previous bariatric doctor who had a supervised high protein/liquid diet with one meal/day -- she is also the queen of thyroid issues. I found very interesting information through my experience with her that you not only want to have your TSH and free T4 tested, but also your T3... Obesity raises havoc with your T3 and that hormone is directly related to obesity issues. So, even if I don't do the protein shakes/meal plan she offers, she is more than happy to manage my T3 throughout my weightloss process. It really sounds like you are doing EXACTLY what you're supposed to be doing. I would consider asking your MD about glucophage and/or thyroid, like suggested above. wendyb

Hi Wendy That is very interesting I must say. I did talk to my pcp, but she just said my body is catching up..but perhaps there is a issue with my thyroid. I've decided to go ahead and get in contact with my surgeon and see what he thinks. I'm a hard draw...extremely hard draw so I hate getting blood drawn, but if there is a issue, I need to get to the bottom of it. Thanks for this info. I'll have to go to WebMD and see what I can learn about TSH, T4 and T3. Hugs, Deanna

I know how you feel I went for almost 8wks and I was going on 3 months out without losing. Thats seriously wrong, I lost 6lbs last week for the first time in that period since my doctors visit on the 4th and I had lost 4lbs for that month, big deal, previously. I lost the 6 but I had a stomch bug and I believe thats what caused it not just because. I haven't lost anymore since I got over the bug and am working at it. I just don't know what to think about this surgery anymore, just wanted to let you know someone is having problems losing too. Marti-34lbs